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Lot 1199
A Theda Bara breast armor from Cleopatra
10 December 2019, 14:00 PST
Los AngelesSold for US$8,200 inc. premium
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A Theda Bara breast armor from Cleopatra
Fox Film Corporation, 1917. Gold brushed metal cobra-themed breast armor with scales, culminating in a cobra head with a purple jewel on the forehead and two blue beaded eyes, strategically placed to placate the censors. Amazingly, Theda Bara had very little pushback from the public or the censors on the very scanty costumes worn in Cleopatra. Many censors, in fact, felt that Bara's performance was so commanding that the costumes were justified. The particular pose of Bara wearing this "armored bra" became the most famous of her career and is still iconic today. Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and a photograph of Bara wearing the armor.
Provenance: originally from the collection of Joan Craig, to whom it was gifted by Theda Bara.
5 x 6 x 5.75 in.
Provenance: originally from the collection of Joan Craig, to whom it was gifted by Theda Bara.
5 x 6 x 5.75 in.


















